Supporting Your Young Person in Distress & Reframing Challenging Behaviour

Supporting Your Young Person in Distress & Reframing Challenging Behaviour

When

October 9, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Category

Where

Leeds Mencap
20 Vinery Terrace, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 9LU

Location

📝 About the Session

  • What we will be doing: When a young person shows what we often call “challenging behaviour,” it is usually a signal of distress rather than defiance. This workshop will reframing challenging behaviour as communication (the signal!), helping us see what lies beneath the surface. Together, we will explore why these distress behaviours occur with clear examples, look at the foundations of boundary setting, reflect on why standard advice around consequences may not always help, and learn how rethinking our responses can foster safety, trust, and well-being.
  • What to expect (The Vibe): An interactive, collaborative workshop format designed to give you a clearer lens for understanding behaviour and practical tools to support both your child and yourself. The course runs from 10:00am – 12:00pm, followed by lunch and dedicated time for your questions. Each in-person course has a maximum of 15 attendees.
  • Who it’s for: This session is specifically for parents and carers navigating autism and neurodiversity. We apologise, but these courses are not suitable for children and there is no childcare available. This is a chance for you to learn practical tools, build family relationships, and chat with people who get it!
  • Date & Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm (Plus lunch and questions afterwards)

🎤 About Our Presenter / Guest Speaker

  • Who is joining us: Laura (Laura ND Nurse)
  • What they will be sharing: Insights into understanding distress behaviours as communication, practical approaches to boundary setting, and tools to navigate moments of distress while building trust and safety.
  • About the Presenter: Laura is Autistic/PDA and ADHD herself. She is a Nurse, Sleep Consultant, Advocate, and a parent to two neurodiverse children—so she is living the life and talking the talk. While her speciality is supporting Autistic/ADHD people, her teaching is created in a way that can be helpful for all families as the foundations centre around mental health, strengthening family relationships, and self-advocacy.
  • Website / Further Info: www.laurahellfeld.co.uk

🤝 Funded by Leeds Parent Carer Forum

  • Leeds Parent Carer Forum logoOur Funding Partners: We’re proud to share that these Laura ND Nurse workshops have been fully funded by Leeds Parent Carer Forum, ensuring parents and carers can access this valuable, identity-affirming support. Their commitment helps make these sessions inclusive and accessible for families navigating autism and neurodiversity.

đźš— Getting There & Arrival

  • Parking Details: There is plenty of parking available around the back of the building (including designated Blue Badge spaces) as well as additional street parking on the roads surrounding the venue.
  • Finding the Little Hiccups Group: Look out for the Little Hiccups signs and team members on arrival to direct you straight to our workshop space.

đźš¶ The Venue Space & Seating

  • Room Layout & Lifts: The venue and course space are entirely on one level (ground floor).
  • Access Requirements: Please do let us know if you have any specific access requirements so we can ensure you are fully accommodated.

đźš˝ Toilets & Accessibility

  • Standard Accessible Toilet: Yes, accessible disabled toilets are available on-site.
  • Changing Places Toilet: Yes, this venue features a full Changing Places toilet facility.

🍰 Atmosphere, Food & Drinks

  • Lighting & Noise Levels: The workshop is limited to a maximum of 15 attendees to maintain a comfortable, relaxed, and conversational environment.
  • Food & Refreshments: Lunch will be provided directly after the workshop session. When booking your ticket, please ensure you let us know of any dietary requirements you may have.

⛑️ Safety & Venue Details

  • Little Hiccups Staff: As always, our staff and volunteers will be on hand to make sure everyone feels welcome. If you are nervous about coming alone, drop us a message beforehand and we will make sure someone meets you at the door!

🎟️ How to Book

Spaces are limited to a maximum of 15 attendees so we can keep the workshop size relaxed and comfortable. Please book your spot below:

Important Booking Information:
Bookings close exactly one week before the event to allow for catering and session planning. Please note that our events are heavily subsidised by Little Hiccups to support our community. Because the charity covers the remaining costs based on our final confirmed numbers (such as venue hire, lunch, refreshments, and presenter fees), we kindly ask that you let us know if your plans change. If you can no longer make it, please cancel your places by emailing events@littlehiccups.co.uk so we can reallocate the spots and prevent charity funds from being lost.

If you have any questions, dietary requirements, or are unsure about attending for the first time, please reach out to us at
events@littlehiccups.co.uk. We’d love to have you join us!

Book here: https://www.littlehiccups.co.uk/educational-informative/